SESSIONS 'A' are now beginning to open up a lead in division one of the Focus Fireplaces York and District Table Tennis League.

Chris Nichols won all three for Sessions, who beat York RI 'A' 7-3. Nichols was also successful as his team overcame Poppleton 'A' 8-2. Richard Moss beat Mick Willcockson 23-21, 21-9.

Strensall 'A' have had mixed results recently. They went down to York RI 'B' 6-4, Paul Noutch and Richard Crowther being unbeaten for RI.

They then bounced back to beat York RI 'A' 6-4 with John Farmery winning all three for Strensall.

Three Noutch wins helped York RI 'B' overcome Groves Association 'A' 6-4. Bootham CC 'A' won a close match with Coneysthorpe 'A' 6-4. All the Bootham players each won twice.

York University beat Nestl Rowntree 'A' 6-4 to stay mid-table. Rob Hudson was unbeaten for University.

In division two, Groves Associates 'B' are beginning to draw away from the rest of the teams. Peter Harpham was unbeaten as they beat Strensall 'B' 6-4.

Second-placed Sessions 'B' were held to a 5-5 draw with Poppleton 'C'. Jack Kaprian won all three for Poppleton. Bootham CC 'B' drew 5-5 with BT 'A', Barry Thomas and Howard Broadbent each winning for BT. John Elliott's return saw York RI 'D' beat Nestl Rowntree 'B' 6-4.

There's no stopping Bootham CC 'C', who have an 18-point lead at the top of division three.

Adrian Church was on top form for Norwich Union 'A', winning all his rubbers as his team beat Strensall 'C' 7-3 to move off the bottom.

Shepherds 'B' beat York RI 'E' 6-4 with three wins for Helen Standish.

Shepherds 'C' are the new leaders in division four after whitewashing bottom team Poppleton 'E'. Nestl Rowntree 'C', who are third, beat York RI 'I' 7-3. Richard Falkingham won all three for Nestl.

Richard Day won his three matches to give Shepherds 'D' an 8-2 win over York RI 'K'. Gareth Stott's three victories helped York RI 'J' beat Norwich Union 'B' 7-3.

Len Watson and Robert Farmery were on top form for Sessions 'C' in their victory over Poppleton 'E'.

Updated: 12:34 Thursday, December 12, 2002